One of the most prevalent questions we get in our office is about drug testing, specifically about ETG testing. ETG refers to Ethyl Glucuronide or Ethanol. Ethanol is an ingredient found in most alcohols that is produced by the fermentation of yeast, sugar, and starches that creates an intoxicating effect. ETG testing is generally used to monitor the consumption or abstaining from alcohol use. This will be most common if you are on some sort of monitored sobriety through probation or pre-trial services.
The presence of ETG in urine, hair, and blood may be used to detect recent ethanol ingestion even after ethanol is no longer measurable. ETG is present when ethanol is ingested and not produced as a result of fermentation. Recent studies have also started to use ETS ethyl sulfate as a second metabolite or biomarker for ethanol.
ETG testing is usually a preferred method of testing for the following reasons:
- Detects recent usage more accurately and for a longer priod of time the the standard testing (80 hours)
- Ideal for zero tolerance and abstinence situations
- A strong indicator of alcohol ingestion within the previous 3 to 4 days
- ETG is only evident when alcohol is consumed and is not produced as a result of fermentation
- Allows monitoring in alcohol treatment programs
- Acts as an early warning system to detect trends towards relapse
- Tests are performed by LC/MS/MS on state of the art equipment for accuracy and reliability
- Thirty-six hour turnaround time from receipt of specimen
- ETG may be run on urine specimens in conjunction with other drug testing panel
ETG is becoming a more and more common type of testing due to its accuracy and its ability to pinpoint ethanol in a person’s system. If you are on monitored sobriety, it is best to remain sober from all kinds of alcohol even mouthwash. ETG is reliable and accurate and good indicator if you have been consuming alcohol or not. To read more about the sensitive nature of ETG testing read this study done compared to other forms of monitored sobriety testing.
For more information please contact our office or read some of the other blogs below.
